Senior UX Designer, Microsoft
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m a Senior UX Designer at Microsoft, where I’ve spent nearly nine years designing experiences that help people work more effectively. In my role, I dig into user needs and collaborate closely with teams to simplify workflows, improve usability, and reduce friction for our customers. I’m highly analytical, but also creative, which makes UX design a natural intersection of both.
I grew up in Truman, MN as the oldest of four girls and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2017. I’ve lived in the FargoMoorhead area for nearly 12 years and now call it home.
Outside of work, I’m married to my husband, Danny, and we recently welcomed our first son, Roman. When I’m not spending time with my family, I enjoy doing puzzles, traveling (or planning the next trip), hosting friends, reading, and playing volleyball. I’m also active in the community through volunteering with ShareHouse, BIOgirls, and serving as a community leader at the Microsoft Fargo campus.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: Growing up in a small town, I was involved in just about everything I could be from a young age. Being in the middle of what was happening in my community felt natural to me, and that instinct has stayed with me over time. I’ve always been someone who asks “why not?” when it comes to new experiences. When I made Fargo my home, I was intentional about continuing that involvement, seeking out ways to connect and learn. Being active in my community energizes me, and I’m continually surprised by the people I meet and the perspectives I gain along the way.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: I’ve been fortunate to have many influential mentors throughout my life, starting with my parents, who encouraged me to do my best. My mom shaped my desire to be a good person first, which continues to ground how I show up.
During my education, my professor and advisor, Tom, was especially influential. He taught me to create with intention and helped me understand that design isn’t just decoration, it has meaning and real impact. He invested deeply in developing my craft, and that foundation still guides my work today.
Early in my career at Microsoft, Monique became an important mentor as well. Fresh out of college, I lacked confidence, and she encouraged me to trust my instincts and be strong in my convictions. My first manager, Kevin, also took a chance on me and helped me discover a career path I didn’t even know existed, but now love. Along the way, I’ve continued to learn from incredible colleagues, especially women like Jasleen, Maggie, Sofia, Juliette, Sogol, and countless others—who have supported and challenged me over the years. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this community of mentors.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: My definition of success has evolved significantly over the past year. I’ve always been driven by achievement, but becoming a parent and taking time away on maternity leave showed me the value of slowing down and being more present. Right now, success looks like feeling at peace with who I am at the end of the day, knowing I did the best I could with the time, energy, and circumstances I had. That sense of satisfaction and alignment matters more to me than any single milestone. I am really working on living my values.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from my mom. She taught me that no one else can advocate for you the way you can because no one else has the same knowledge, context, or responsibility. That lesson has guided me throughout my career. Learning to speak up for myself, trust my perspective, and take ownership has helped me grow more confident and therefore, have a greater impact. No one knows your work or your perspective better than you.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: United Way is important to our community because it makes getting involved feel approachable and achievable. I know from experience that community participation isn’t always top of mind, especially early in adulthood. Yet being engaged with the greater good of our community has been meaningful for my own sense of connection. United Way creates simple ways for people to contribute in ways that feel manageable and meaningful.
Q: What is a quote you would frame on your desk?
A: “The more prepared you are, the luckier you’ll be.”
